Module ARCH4003: Dissertation

Department: Archaeology

ARCH4003: Dissertation

Prerequisites

• Scientific Methods in Archaeology 2 (ARCH2041) and at least one Specialised Aspect (ARCH3451 or 3472)

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Archaeology dissertation (ARCH3371 or ARCH3362) OR Archaeology Dissertation JH/CH/HNS (40 credits) taken at Level 3

Aims

• To develop research skills in Archaeology by completing a significant piece of individual research. To significantly develop students' skills in independent research, the analysis and presentation of evidence and the structuring of argumentation by producing an extended (15,000 words) dissertation in a selected specialist area of archaeological science.

Content

• The student will undertake a field or laboratory based research project in Archaeology normally reflecting the research interests of staff within the department. Projects are conceived by students in conjunction with staff, risk assessed and supervised by members of staff. Students are expected to attend selected research training classes and participate in departmental research seminars to broaden their knowledge of Archaeology and to improve their presentation skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Will have acquired subject knowledge of a selected theme of archaeological science and to have gained an understanding of its theoretical and practical principles, methodology and terminology.

• To be able to plan and execute an independent piece of research and communicate the results of this research effectively in written and verbal forms.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to:
• a) Plan, conduct and report on laboratory and/or field work.
• b) Formulate and test concepts and hypotheses
• c) Record accurately and account for data gathered in the laboratory and/or in the field.
• d) Synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• e) Analyse, evaluate/interpret quantitative data .
• f) Apply citation appropriately in written work and make appropriate use of the relevant research literature.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences in written, verbal and graphical forms.
• Prepare and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques of analysis.
• Use information and communications technology appropriately.
• Identify individual (and team where appropriate) goals and responsibilities.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Students will receive a one hour introductory session on the planning and execution of the dissertation and attend relevant Level 4 Research Training lectures (Research and Study Skills in Archaeological Science, ARCH40130); written guidance materials; individual training in relevant laboratory procedures, including safety aspects; at least 10 one hour tutorials from the research supervisor(s) on the specialist subject. The projects are summatively assessed via the production of a dissertation and a poster paper on the subject of the thesis.
• Research is embedded into the teaching of this module through the nature of the dissertation as an inquiry-based activity. Students develop research skills in the specialist area of the dissertation and have the opportunity to acquire a research ethos.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Michaelmas Term: Dissertation design, 500 words; Epiphany Term: Dissertation Plan and Progress Report, 1500 words; Easter Term: Draft chapter, 3000 words.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University